Welfare monitoring at equestrian competitions has improved significantly, with veterinary oversight, ground inspection, and horse fitness assessment becoming standard.
Competition represents a high-welfare-risk period for horses due to travel stress, unfamiliar environments, and performance demands. Veterinary welfare monitoring at events provides a critical safety net for horses that should not compete. Owner and trainer commitment to only presenting horses in good welfare condition is equally important - welfare monitoring at events cannot replace good practice in preparation and training.